System and article for displaying removable decorative articles on back pack straps

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a system for displaying decorative articles on backpack straps incorporating a backpack, two backpack straps each with a plurality of decorative article receiving openings incorporated thereon, and decorative articles having a decorative face, a stem and an elongated fastener whereby said stem and elongated fastener is constructed and arranged to attach to said backpack straps through said decorative article receiving openings.

INDEX TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional of and claims benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/659,484 filed Jun. 14, 2012 the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For many years, people have wanted to personalize their accessories. For many years, people would use pins with sharp points to penetrate fabric and affix buttons, clips, and the like.

An extension of the personalized display of articles became popular with a company called Jibbitz. The articles sold by Jibbitz were popularized when the innovators realized the opening in the Crocs brand of shoes could hold a decorative article without the use of sharp pins. The present invention goes an additional step by providing an article and system for accessorizing backpacks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a system for displaying decorative articles on backpack straps, said system comprising:

a backpack;

two backpack straps, said backpack straps constructed and arranged with a plurality of decorative article receiving openings incorporated thereon;

each strap having an attachment means at each end;

and decorative articles having a decorative face, a stem and an elongated fastener whereby said stem and elongated fastener is constructed and arranged to attach to said backpack straps through said decorative article receiving openings.

The plurality of decorative article receiving openings are arranged along a majority length of each strap and further arranged in a manner to maintain the strength and holding capacity of each strap. That is to say, there must be sufficient material on each strap such that the strap can support a backpack without breaking. In one embodiment, each strap is able to support up to 40 pounds.

The pluralities of decorative article receiving openings have a geometry corresponding to a selected geometry of said elongated fastener.

The decorative articles have a fixed decorative face or a removable and interchangeable decorative face.

Also contemplated is a backpack strap constructed and arranged with a plurality of decorative article receiving openings incorporated thereon. The Backpack of the present invention is customizable by a consumer allowing them to choose colors, accessories, buckle design, etc.

Straps of the backpack are easily interchangeable for decorative purposes and can be made of various materials including, but not limited to rubbers/plastics, silicone, TPU, PU, ABS.

It is contemplated that rubber, silicone, or pliable type material is preferred such that the receiving holes are expandable.

It is further contemplated that the straps can be made of different bright/neon colors, be scented, be made to glow in the dark, and/or be presented with colorful/pattern surfaces.

In addition to displaying decorative articles the straps can also be configured to hold items such as cellphone holder, key holder, pencil case, usb, or others items as desired.

The bottom buckles of the straps can be interchangeable with different shapes, designs, and different colors.

In one embodiment, the present invention is a system for displaying decorative articles on backpack straps, said system comprising:

a carry bag;

at least one backpack strap, said backpack strap constructed and arranged with a plurality of decorative article receiving openings incorporated thereon;

said strap constructed and arranged to be attached to said carry bag;

and decorative articles having a decorative face, a stem and an elongated fastener whereby said stem and elongated fastener is constructed and arranged to attach to said backpack strap through said decorative article receiving openings.

The plurality of decorative article receiving openings are arranged along a majority length of each strap and are arranged in a manner to maintain the strength and holding capacity of each strap. The decorative article receiving openings have a geometry corresponding to a selected geometry of said elongated fastener.

The invention also relates to a novel strap constructed and arranged with a plurality of decorative article receiving openings incorporated thereon.

In one embodiment, the carry bag is single strap carry bag, a laptop bag, a purse, or a backpack.

In the embodiment where a back pack is used, the system is formed having a single strap constructed and arranged with a vertex forming central curved region constructed and arranged to connect to said backpack, said curved region imparting a pair of opposing strap portions wherein said single strap has two opposing first concave curvature portions proximal to said central curved region and two opposing second convex curve portions distal from said first curve, and a pair of opposing terminal ends, whereby each of said opposing curves are positioned to facilitated positioning of said single strap on a user.

Each of said opposing first curved regions are equally formed at a distance between said vertex of central curve and said terminal end of between about 10-40% of a distance along each opposing portion of the strap.

Each of said opposing second curved regions are equally formed at a distance between said vertex of central curve and said terminal end of between about 50-80% of a distance along each opposing portion of the strap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a front view showing the present invention in an environment of use.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view showing the article of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of belt and fasteners of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of belt and fasteners of the present invention from FIG. 3.

FIG. 5A is a front view of a typical attachment of the present invention.

FIG. 5B is a front view of a typical attachment of the present invention

FIG. 5C is a front view of a typical attachment of the present invention.

FIG. 5D is a front view of a typical attachment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an alternative method of attaching the lower area of the belt in the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a front view of an alternative embodiment in the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9A is a plan view showing various aperture openings according to the present invention.

FIG. 9B is a plan view showing various aperture openings according to the present invention.

FIG. 9C is a plan view showing various aperture openings according to the present invention.

FIG. 10A this a perspective view showing variant attachment according to the present invention.

FIG. 10B this a perspective view showing variant attachment according to the present invention.

FIG. 10C this a perspective view showing variant attachment according to the present invention.

FIG. 11A is a bottom view of an article according to the present invention.

FIG. 11B is a side view of an article according to the present invention.

FIG. 11C is a bottom plan view showing variant anchoring means according to the present invention.

FIG. 11D is a bottom plan view showing variant anchoring means according to the present invention.

FIG. 11E is a bottom plan view showing variant anchoring means according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a rear plan view of the backpack of the present invention with single strap component disassembled.

FIG. 13 is a rear plan view of the backpack of the present invention with single strap component positioned for assembly.

FIG. 14 is a rear plan view of the backpack of the present invention with directional arrows demonstrating single strap assembly.

FIG. 15 is a plan view of the single strap embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a side view of the single strap embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17A is a partial cross section view along section lines from FIG. 12 demonstrating a stitching fastener arrangement.

FIG. 17B is a partial cross-sectional view along section lines from FIG. 12 demonstrating a cloak and loop fastener arrangement.

FIG. 17C is a partial cross-sectional view along section lines from FIG. 12 demonstrating a snap button fastener arrangement.

FIG. 17D is an embodiment whereby the rear panel of the backpack has slit openings constructed and arranged for a single strap to enter and exit the interior cavity in order to attach.

FIG. 18 is an isometric view of the single strap utilized in the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

An assembly 10 is worn by a person 11 generally having a pair of belts 12 that extends over the shoulder of person 11 and under the arm of person 11. Straps 12 have a plurality of receiving openings 20. Said plurality of receiving openings 20 are constructed and arranged to receive removable decorative article 13 there through. In one embodiment each belt 12 is secured to a typical backpack 16 with a top fastener 14 affixed to backpack fabric support 15. Each belt 12 will have an individually adjustable belt buckle 19 in which belt buckle holes 21 are accessed and used to secure belt 12 into position. It is noteworthy that belt openings 21 are constructed and arranged to interact with belt buckle 19 whereas receiving openings 20 are constructed and arranged to interact and receive decorative articles 13 there through. As seen in FIG. 3 receiving openings 20 on belt 12 are not necessarily arranged in the center of the horizontal plane of belt 12. However, belt openings 21, as is commonly known, are arranged at a regular central position along belt 12 such that they can be used to fasten belt 12 into position using belt buckle 19. Belt 12 further includes a rivet 22 whereby a male fastener 23 is affixed to belt 12. Typical arrangement of this fastening as seen in FIG. 4 is a loop arrangement whereby belt 12 is looped through a receiving cavity in male fastener 23 and a portion of belt 12 is riveted onto itself at rivet 22. The male fastener is constructed and arranged to interact with a female fastener 14 that ultimately secures belt 12 to backpack fastener fabric 15 and backpack 16. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, a tension connector with a male connector 24 and female connector 25 is utilized. As generally understood and shown in FIG. 7 receiving openings 20 can be arranged in a variety of patterns in order to receive decorative article 13 thereon. Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, receiving openings can take the form of receiving opening 32 being rectangular, receiving opening 33 being elliptical and receiving opening 34 being triangular. All of which can be utilized on a belt according to the present invention. Decorative attachment articles are commonly known. Examples of decorative faces are shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D and 5E. These examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limited. As understood decorative article 13 typically has a decorative face as previously described and a stem and elongated fastener. Elongated fasteners are shown in FIGS. 11B, 11C, 11D and 11E. In general decorative article 13 is affixed to belt 12, or alternatively belt 35 whereby belt 35 demonstrates differences in receiving openings, and decorative article 13 is affixed to the belt by placing the stem through a receiving opening and said elongated fastener and securing decorative article onto the desired belt.

In use the present invention can be utilized with an existing backpack 16 or can be incorporated into a custom backpack. When utilized with an existing backpack, the existing backpack straps are removed and backpack straps 12 according to the present invention are affixed to backpack 16 in manners known in the art. As can be appreciated and seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 decorative articles 13 are affixed to backpack strap 12 such that a decorative surface is visible when the backpack is worn. Typical decorative surfaces are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Additionally, decorative articles 13 are removable by application of force that will remove the stem from decorative article 13 from within the receiving opening 20 in belt 12.

In one embodiment, there are decorative articles sold under the trade name Jibbitz® that can be used in the present invention.

The present invention, as demonstrated in FIGS. 12-18 further encompasses an arrangement whereby the backpack 50 is constructed and arranged to receive a single strap 52 that provides for two strap holding portions when assembled.

Backpack 50 is constructed and arranged with holding portion 60 integral with the rear portion of backpack 50. Although the particular embodiment demonstrated in FIGS. 12, 13, and 14 demonstrate a holding device whereby single strap 52 is inserted and held into position, the invention can have other embodiments whereby single strap 52 is held and secured into position.

Single strap 52 has a unique configuration as best demonstrated in FIG. 15. Instead of being provided in a conventional “U” shape or “V” shape, single strap 52 is constructed and arranged with two angular inflections that impart an arrangement when in use that is comfortable on a user. Single strap 52 has a central curvature that defines a curved region 72 constructed and arranged for supporting backpack 50. A first concave inflection along line 68 is coupled with a second convex inflection along line 74 in single strap 52. A distance 78 is defined as the distance between first inflection curvature 68 and second inflection 74. In one embodiment, first inflection 68 is at a distance along opposing sides of strap 52 at a distance between about 10-40% the distance between single strap vertex and each of opposing end portions 80. In one embodiment, second inflection curvature 74 is at a distance along opposing sides of strap 52 at a distance between about 50-80% the distance between single strap vertex and each of opposing end portions 80. In one embodiment, each opposing curvature between edges 70 a and 76 a at line 68 is between about 3-20 degrees inward towards centerline 86. In one embodiment, each opposing curvature between edges 76 a and 82 a at line 74 is about 5 to 30 degrees outward from centerline 86. The combination of concave and convex curves along with placement along opposing portions of single strap 52 provides a configuration with enhanced comfort for a wearer. Single strap 52 has inner edge 70 a and outer edge 70 b constructed and arranged to facilitate use with backpack 50. In an area beyond inflection 68 single strap 52 has inner edge and 76 a outer edge and 76 b that is constructed and arranged to conform with a person's shoulder.

In one embodiment, single strap 52 is inserted into corresponding portions of cavity 58 attached to backpack 50. Insertion of single strap 52 continues until cavity 72 contacts holder 60 within cavity 58. This contact secures single strap 52 to the upper portion of backpack 50. A user will then attached each of the two ends of single strap 52, as best seen in FIG. 14 to a securing apparatus 54 incorporated onto backpack 50. In one embodiment, the securing is a buckle as is known in the art. As is known in the art, the securing mechanism 54 is positioned in close proximity to the bottom region 56 of backpack 50. Bottom region, is as known in the art and does not necessarily mean the absolute bottom edge of the backpack but just some reasonable area in close proximity to the bottom.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17A stitching 60 is used to form cavity 58 by utilizing an exterior member 62. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17B, hook and loop fasteners 64 are used in place of stitching 60. In yet another embodiment as seen in FIG. 17C a male female snap fit connector 66 is used in place of stitching 60.

As best seen in FIG. 18, single strap 52, shown as positioned as if it were with in a backpack has connecting region 72 the contacts backpack 50, shoulder support curvature region 78 that is constructed and arranged to sit on the shoulder of a user, and terminal region 84 constructed and arranged to attach to connectors 54 of backpack 50.

In providing backpack 50 with a single strap arrangement demonstrated by single strap 52, the present invention provides a configuration whereby a user easily interchanges strap portions. This is advantageous in utilizing the system of the present invention and providing consumers with different colors, and other ornamental features of single strap 52 whereby a user can easily remove single strap 52 and utilize different ornamental presentations of single strap 52 without the need for acquiring an entirely new backpack assembly.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 12-14, an assembly is attached to the rear panel by forming a cover portion 61 having a pair of slit openings 59 in which each of the opposing ends 82 of single strap 52 are inserted.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17D, a first pair of entrance slit openings 90 are constructed and arranged to receive single strap 52. Single strap 52 is inserted therein, extends upward in the interior cavity of backpack 50 and exits the interior cavity through exit slits 88.

Although the figures demonstrate embodiments relating to a backpack having to strap portions. The present invention is contemplated to provide a system for displaying decorative articles on a strap configured according to the current invention whereby the strap is utilized as a single strap on any one of a single strap carry bag, a laptop bag, a purse, and other such articles in which a single strap is used to provide for carrying. The term “carry bag” includes all of these as well as a traditional backpack as is known in the art. When the term carry bag is used to refer to a backpack, it is contemplated to mean a backpack as is known in the art encompassing an arrangement that imparts two straps for the user.

While the invention has been described in its preferred form or embodiment with some degree of particularity, it is understood that this description has been given only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction, fabrication, and use, including the combination and arrangement of parts, may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

We claim:
 1. A system for displaying decorative articles on backpack straps, said system comprising: a carry bag; at least one backpack strap, said backpack strap constructed and arranged with a plurality of decorative article receiving openings incorporated thereon; said strap constructed and arranged to be attached to said carry bag; and decorative articles having a decorative face, a stem and an elongated fastener whereby said stem and elongated fastener is constructed and arranged to attach to said backpack strap through said decorative article receiving openings.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of decorative article receiving openings are arranged along a majority length of each strap.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of decorative article receiving openings are arranged in a manner to maintain the strength and holding capacity of each strap.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of decorative article receiving openings have a geometry corresponding to a selected geometry of said elongated fastener.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein said decorative articles have a fixed decorative face.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein said decorative articles have a removable and interchangeable decorative face.
 7. A strap constructed and arranged with a plurality of decorative article receiving openings incorporated thereon.
 8. The system of claim 1 wherein said carry bag is single strap carry bag, a laptop bag, a purse, or a backpack.
 9. The system of claim 1 wherein said carry bag is a back pack having two separate straps.
 10. The system of claim 1 wherein said carry bag is a back pack having a single strap constructed and arranged with a vertex forming central curved region constructed and arranged to connect to said backpack, said curved region imparting a pair of opposing strap portions wherein said single strap has two opposing first concave curvature portions proximal to said central curved region and two opposing second convex curve portions distal from said first curve, and a pair of opposing terminal ends, whereby each of said opposing curves are positioned to facilitated positioning of said single strap on a user.
 11. The system of claim 10, whereby each of said opposing first curved regions are equally formed at a distance between said vertex of central curve and said terminal end of between about 10-40% of a distance along each opposing portion of the strap.
 12. The system of claim 10, whereby each of said opposing second curved regions are equally formed at a distance between said vertex of central curve and said terminal end of between about 50-80% of a distance along each opposing portion of the strap. 